Children find water play endlessly fascinating and will happily spend hours experimenting with the materials. Which slope works best? What happens if you add mud to the water? What about stones? To build your own ‘water-park’, start with a length of guttering and a jug of water. Later on, you can add further lengths of guttering, drainpipes, […]
Water Play with Pipes and Guttering Read More »
The enclosing schema is a cognitive pattern that is commonly observed in young children’s play. It involves creating an enclosed space or structure using objects or materials, such as building a fort out of pillows and blankets or using blocks to create a castle. This schema reflects the child’s desire to create a sense of
The enclosing schema Read More »
Mark-making isn’t only about developing correct pencil grip in time to start school. Mark-making for children is a pleasurable activity in itself (humans have been mark-making for millennia, after all.) When making a mark – be it chalk on a board, pencil on paper, or a stick in the sand, the materials being marked have
Mark-making materials: chalk, pencils, crayons, paint Read More »
Olli Ella trolleys and baskets make an unexpected gift but are full of play potential and fun. Not your typical toy A range of baskets and trolleys doesn’t sound like the most obvious thing for a toy shop to sell but sorting, collecting and transporting are activities at the heart of early years play. It’s
Olli Ella gift guide Read More »
Don’t know the first thing about poetry but want to help your child develop a love of language and verse? According to Karen Smith, poet and a former librarian at the National Poetry Library, you don’t need to know anything to get started and inspire a lifelong love of poetry. Table of contents: Introduction Thankfully the
Poetry for young children: why it matters and how to use it Read More »
We talk a lot about play for the under fives here at One Hundred Toys, but what is play and why is it so important for young children? Read our guide by Helen Jones to learn more about the benefits of play and pick up some ideas for maximising play at home. Table of contents:
The Importance of Play Read More »
We all know books are good for children, but what exactly are the benefits of reading for children and is there still a place of books in the digital age? Read our guide by Helen Jones to find out more: Table of contents: Books in the digital age Why read? Tips for parents Final word
Bringing storytime to life Read More »
Table of contents: Introduction Why kids need poetry Poetry’s not just for children, it’s for life. Instructions for use. Poetry recommendations Final verse Introduction Ok, hands up all of us parents who are clueless when it comes to poetry! I’m the first to admit I don’t know anything about it. But according to my darling
Poetry for Children Read More »
I fear I’m going to disappoint you by not including a long list of recommendations. My focus, as with all our advice at 100 Toys, is to empower you to make your own choices. And that means showing you what to look for rather than giving a list of specific titles (though there are a
How to choose the right book for your child Read More »
You’ve just sat down with a well-deserved cup of tea when you hear the pleading call, “Come and play with me!” It’s been a busy day and you’ve got a million things on your mind but you obligingly put down your drink and commit to some quality playtime with your toddler or preschooler. The problem
A parents’ guide to enjoying play (even when you don’t feel like it) Read More »